Comments reported from former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, basically that:
Trump can portray his stance against Beijing as a strength in the 2020 election, deal or no deal
- "I think you're into 2020 before there's any resolution to this"
- "I think it will help him politically because it's the reality of the world that we live in"
On this:
- I think it will help him politically
That's right, and do not forget that job #1 for a politician is to get elected and then re-elected.
--
The counter argument is the pain the policies are causing farmers could see the President lose votes in farm areas. If I had to make a call, though, I reckon my headline is it. He will net gain votes.
-
Oh, and on the 'wait it out' approach from China, until after the 2020 election. Again, my opinion, I'd be wary of discounting the support for the tough line on China across the political divide. How many opposing Trump have taken issue with him on China? Not many. Even if Trump loses there may not be too many concession to China.
